Johnny Gottselig

Johnny Gottselig, born on June 24, 1906, was a prominent figure in the world of ice hockey, known for his exceptional skills as a left winger. He dedicated sixteen seasons to the Chicago Black Hawks in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1928 to 1945, making a significant impact on the team and the sport.

As the second player born in the Russian Empire to compete in the NHL, Gottselig broke barriers for European players in North American hockey. His leadership qualities shone through when he became the second European-born captain of a cup-winning team in league history, following Scotland-born Charlie Gardiner.

Throughout his illustrious playing career, Gottselig celebrated two Stanley Cup victories with the Black Hawks, first in 1934 and again in 1938, when he captained the team. His connection to the franchise continued even after his playing days, as he served as the Director of Public Relations during the Black Hawks' third Stanley Cup win in 1961, although his name was not engraved on the trophy.